I am appalled and sickened by the fatal cow-beating incident in the Augusta area recently. Once again, Augusta is the Shameful Garden City.

Shame on the Columbia County sheriff! Shame on Georgia Department of Agriculture! Shame on the U.S. Department of Agriculture! Their spineless interpretations of the law, total disrespect for life and flippant attitude toward the entire incident is embarrassing and disgusting.

Shame on cow owner Joel Franco! Surely a man of his character owns a firearm. Could he not have spared one bullet to kill this cow for food? Or better yet: Has he ever heard of a grocery store? Bon appetit .

May God forgive us for such ignorance and arrogance.